Council tax in Staffordshire is set to rise by 4.95% from April.
Staffordshire County Council has been setting out its budget plans for the next five years and says it's looking at a £12m shortfall next year.
Image source, Getty ImagesCouncillor Philip Atkins, the Conservative leader of the authority, says the authority is facing greater demands on its budget.
A cannabis-growing operation in Stoke-on-Trent was in danger of exploding because the amount of power being drawn had melted a fuse board, Staffordshire Police have said.
Officers forced their way into a property on Elm Street in Cobridge at 14:00, and found more than 250 plants.
Image source, @StokePoliceNrthA 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the discovery and police are still working at the scene.
A charity supporting people with mental health issues says it is closing due to a lack of funding.
North Staffs Voice for Mental Health, external has been speaking out for people who need services for more than 20 years, and has more than 1,300 members.
The Hanley-based charity will close on 20 December and says it has suffered from cuts to local government and NHS budgets, and has struggled to find alternative funding.
Ice and fog
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
There's some rain around over night but still feeling very cold, with a yellow warning of ice in place until 11:00 on Wednesday.
It won't be quite as cold as last night, but still expect lows of about -1C (30F).
The West Midlands weather update
Stephanie Barnard
BBC News
Another great selection of the West Midlands in snow. You've not disappointed us.
Email, tweet @BBCMTD, external or send your photo to us via Facebook., external
We love this pic of alpacas in the snow and sunshine in Cherrington, Shropshire.
Image source, @TheAlpacaFarmAllow X content?
This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Dan tweeted this pic, external of St James's Church in Acton Trussell, Staffordshire.
Image source, @DanKemo83And we love this pic taken in Stoke-on-Trent by Lisa - it's not seen as much snow as some places in the West Midlands but still very cold.
Image source, @LisajaynecakeStephanie Barnard
BBC News
As well as receiving hundreds of photos on Twitter, external, email and Facebook, external, there are lots being uploaded to the BBC Weather Watchers website too.
This pic in Worcestershire has been selected as one of the editor's favourites.
Allow X content?
This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
This is Birmingham this morning
Image source, Springs EngAnd this was taken in Totmonslow in the Staffordshire Moorlands at 08:00.
Image source, Farmets WifeA pedestrian who died after he was hit by a truck on the A50 at the weekend was 35-year-old John Rigby from Meir Park in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Police said.
He died at the scene of the collision at Normacot on Saturday evening. Police are appealing for witnesses.
Image source, Staffordshire PoliceUnion leaders are urging Sir Richard Branson to intervene in a dispute over pay which is set to spark a series of strikes on Virgin Trains West Coast, affecting services from London to Birmingham.
Image source, VirginMembers of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) and Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) are due to walk out on Friday and the following Friday, and on four dates in January.
The RMT said it wanted a "suitable and equal" pay offer to the £500 one given to drivers.
The company said it would keep the majority of trains running despite the industrial action.
Phil McCann
Cheshire Political Reporter, BBC News
Cheshire East Council's most senior legal official has resigned, ending an investigation into his conduct.
Image source, GoogleBill Norman was suspended after an investigation into three officials began in April.
A spokesman said his departure meant the council had "concluded its business" with him, but the probe into chief operating officer Peter Bates and chief executive Mike Suarez continued.
The review is partly focused on the way the council awarded some contracts.
You have been sending in pictures of the region's wintry scenes as snow and ice take hold.
Read MoreIncreasingly cloudy this afternoon with outbreaks of rain and some hill snow arriving later. Highs of 5C.
The problems with ice are set to continue into tomorrow, says the Met Office, which has issued a new weather warning., external
Image source, Met OfficeThe warning - for the whole of the West Midlands - covers 16:00 on Tuesday until 11:00 Wednesday.
Angry Stoke fans confront the players at the town's railway station as they travel home from a 5-1 defeat by Tottenham at Wembley.
Read More
BBC News Travel
West Midlands Railway warns of delays and cancellations to its services running between Lichfield and Four Oaks.
Allow X content?
This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
A planned strike by Arriva North West bus drivers scheduled for today has been called off.
Image source, PAThe industrial action by the Unite and GMB unions has been suspended while members await the outcome of a vote on the company's latest pay offer.
A further six one-day strikes are currently planned in the run-up to Christmas.
Arriva North West run services in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire.
A cold start to the day with some frost and ice around at first. Some bright spells are also likely this morning before cloud builds later.
Staying mainly dry with highs of 3C.
Councils have been gritting the roads across the West Midlands.
Coventry City Council says it's dropped 200 tonnes of salt over night.
Image source, Wolverhampton CouncilKey pedestrian routes have also been treated, but local authorities are warning drivers and walkers to take extra care in the icy conditions.
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Icy conditions mean the following schools will be closed:
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
These schools in East Staffordshire have confirmed they will be closed today:
